Wire feeding device



G E -m M S IMM w MM L\ 3 www Fl EM w E GMI u www April 7, 1964 r J. cRAFFoRD WIRE EEEDING DEVICE Filed April 17, 1961 United States Patent O 3,128,028 W FEEDING DEVICE Thomas I. Crafford, Riverside, RJ., assigner to Credere! Tool & Die Co., Riverside, RI., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed Apr. 17, 1961, Ser. No. 103,567 9 Claims. (Ci. 226-151) The present invention relates to a wire feeding device.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a wire feeding device that has particular application in automatic linking apparatus for use in the fabrication of ornamental chain. The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 702,655, entitled Automatic Linking Machine, filed December 13, 1957, which has now matured into Patent No. 3,004,383.

In Patent No. 3,004,383, a linking machine is illustrated and described that automatically receives wire stock from a source of supply, feeds the wire stock to a working station, cuts the wire stock to proper length, preforms the cut wire pieces and then loads the Wire pieces in a magazine for forming in a link of a desired shape. The present application is concerned particularly with the feeding of the wire stock to the working station, and a primary object of the invention is to provide a feeding device for use in a chain making machine that automatically and intermittently feeds the wire material as desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wire feeding device that includes a feed block through Which a strand of wire extends, the feed block and wire strand being periodically engageable as a unit wherein movement of the feed block results in feeding of the Wire strand.

Still another object is to provide a feeding device for a strand of wire material which includes an oscillating actuating arm that is utilized for producing a gripping action on the wire material during the feeding thereof and is further utilized for producing a longitudinal feeding movement of the wire material.

Still another object is to provide a wire feeding device that includes a tensioning construction that is adapted to tension a length of wire material that is being fed to a working station. Y

Still another object is to provide a feeding device for wire material that includes a pivotally mounted actuating arm that is adapted to urge a gripping member into gripping relation with the wire material to be fed, the pivotally mounted actuating arm being further utilized as the means for producing longitudinal movement of the wire material when engaged by a driving means.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection With the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a top plan v1ew with parts shown in section iof the wire feeding device embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. l and rotated through an angle of 90;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. l and rotated through an angle of 90;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged View of a portion of the'wire feeding device illustrated in FIG. l, showing the feeding position of the wire gripping member and clamping arm; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 5 in FIG. 4 and rotated through an angle of 90.

In the use of the wire feeding device embodied herein,

it is understood that a Wire material is adapted to be di- 3,128,028 Patented Apr. 7, 1964 ice rected from a suitable source to a working station as illustrated and described in Patent No. 3,004,383. The automatic linking machine described in the copending application includes an arrangement of component parts that coact to form the Wire material into links following a series of operations thereon. Since the formation of the links must be carried out in an intermittent manner, the feeding device embodied herein is primarily concerned with intermittently or periodically feeding the stock of wire to a working station such as that shown in the automatic linking machine of the copending application.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, the wire feeding device embodied herein is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10. A fixed base 12 is mounted on any convenient support by any suitable means, such as screws 14. The base 12 is formed with a track 16 in the upper surface thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the track having a generally rectangular configuration as seen in cross section and being defined by opposed walls 18 and 20 and bottom Wall 22. Slidably mounted in the track 16 is a plate 24 that has a cross section generally similar to the cross section of the track 16 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Secured to the upper surface of the plate 24 is a feed block generally indicated at 26 which, as Will be described, is adapted to engage the wire W intermittently for feeding it toward a working station such as that shown in the copending application. As shown in FIG. 3, the feed block 26 includes coacting elements 28 and 30 that are shaped and proportioned to provide for the passage of the wire W therethrough. The element 28 is formed in an inverted L configuration and as shown in FIG. 5 includes an extension 32 on the outermost end thereof. The element 30 is formed with a groove in one corner thereof, the groove cooperating with the L configuration of the element 28 to define a recess 34. As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, the outer surface of the extension 32 is foreshortened with respect to the adjacent mating surface of a projection 36 that is defined by the groove formed in the element 30, the difference in dimension of the mating surfaces resulting in a narrow passage 38 through which the wire W extends. Located in the recess 34 is a gripping bar 40 that is provided with a projection 42 that is proportioned to extend into the passage 38 as will be described. Referring again to FIG. 1, the gripping bar 40 is shown connected to the element 28 by screws 44, the screws 44 extending through enlarged bores 46 formed in the element 28. Springs 48 are disposed within the bores 46 and beneath the heads of the screws 44 and are adapted to resiliently mount the gripping bar 40 with respect to the element 28. It is seen that the gripping bar 4t) may be moved relative to the element 28, the movement thereof being resisted by the action of the springs 48, and the extent of movement thereof being limited by the adjacent Wall of the projection 36. In order to urge the gripping bar 40 toward the wire W so as to force the projection 42 into engagement therewith, an actuating arm 50 is provided and extends through a slot 52 formed in the element 28. The innermost end ofl the actuating arm 50 is formed with a cam surface indicated at 54 that is adapted to engage and urge the gripping bar 40 toward the wire W. As shown in FIG. l, the actuating arm 50 is pivotally mounted in the slot 52 by a pin 56 that extends through the element 28.

In carrying out the feeding operation of the wire W, the actuating arm 50 is adapted to be pivoted so as to force the cam surface or edge 54 against the gripping bar 48. As shown in FIG. 4, pivotal movement of the actuating arm 5f) in a clockwise direction when viewed in plan causes the gripping bar to be forced against the wire W, thereby capturing the wire Within the passage 38 and in effect locking the wire to the feed block 26. Since the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 50 forces the edge thereof into contact with the side of the slot 52, it is seen that applying a longitudinal force to the outer end of the actuating arm 50 will cause the actuating arm to move the feed block 26 and plate 24 therewith. Since the wire W is clamped to the feed block 26, any longitudinal movement of the actuating arm and feed block will produce a corresponding longitudinal movement of the wire.

In order to produce the necessary pivotal or oscillating movement of the actuating arm S0, a drive assembly generally indicated at 60 is provided. The drive assembly 60 includes a base member 62 to which a stub shaft 64 is secured. A connecting bar 66 is joined to the stub shaft 64 and has a rod 68 threadably secured thereto, the rod 68 being adapted to be reciprocated by any suitable driving means, such as a cam operated member or piston. It is sufficient to state that the rod 63 is reciprocated in timed relation so as to produce a corresponding reciprocating movement of the base member 62. Mounted on the base member 62 are opposed cylinders '70 and 72 in which plungers 74 and 76 are positioned, respectively. The plungers 74 and 76 project outwardly of their respective cylinders through openings formed in the ends thereof and are spaced apart a predetermined distance in straddling relation with the respect to the outer end of the actuating arm 50. Inner movement of the plungers 74, 76 is resisted by springs 78, 80, respectively, the springs being adjusted in position by adjusting screws 82, 34, respectively. The springs 78, 80 not only locate their respective plungers 74, 76 in the desired position, but further act as safety means during the reciprocating movement of the base member 62 and thus provide for movement of the plungers in the event the stroke of the rod 68 exceeds the normal operating stroke. In the feeding operation of the wire W, it is seen that the base member 62 will be reciprocated in timed relation, and since the plungers 74 and 76 straddle the outer end of the actuating arm 50, they will produce an oscillating movement of the actuating arm as the base member is reciprocated. As the actuating arm 50 oscillates, clockwise movement thereof as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 will cause the cam edge 54 to force the gripping bar 40 into contact with the wire W, thereby clamping the wire W to the feed block 26. Continued movement of the base member 62 will cause the clamping arm 50 that is engaged by the plunger 74 to be carried with the base member 62 in a longitudinal direction. Since the feed wire W and feed block 26 are clamped to the actuating arm 50 in tlu's position, they will be carried therewith in the longitudinal direction as the plunger 74 is moved to the right as seen in FIG. 1. When the base member reaches the limit of travel to the right as seen in FIG. 1, it will be reciprocated, causing the plunger 76 to engage the outer end of the actuating arm 50. The actuating arm 50 is then oscillated to the position shown in FIG. 1 wherein the cam edge 54 is withdrawn from gripping relation with respect to the gripping bar 40, and the wire VJ is thus released. Continued movement of the base member 62 and plunger 76 to the left as seen in FIG. 1 will cause the plunger 76 to move the actuating arm 50 against the left end of the slot 52 and thereby cause the actuating arm and feed block to be moved to the left as seen in FIG. 1 upon the return stroke of the base member. In this position, the pivot arm 50 engages the left wall of the slot 52, as seen in FIG. l, to limit the pivoting movement of the pivot arm and thus prevent clamping of the wire in the reverse direction of the feed block. Since the wire W is no longer clamped in gripping relation by the gripping bar 40, the feed block 26 and actuating arm 50 are moved relative thereto. The feed block 26 is then returned to the original position thereof, and upon return movement of the base member 62 to the right as seen in FIG. 1 the actuating arm 50 will once again be oscillated to force the gripping bar in gripping relation with the wire W. It is to be noted that as the pivot arm 50 is moved to the left as seen in FIG. 1, it engages the left wall of the slot 52 through which it extends, as above described, so that the wire is gripped only when movement of the feed block 50 is in the feed direction.

The limit of travel of the feed block 26 which thereby determines the amount of feed of the wire W during any single operation may be defined by opposed stops 86 and 88. The stop 86, which is shown as an adjusting screw, is secured to a wire tension assembly generally indicated at @0, while the limit stop 88 is mounted on a block 92. Thus it is seen that slidable movement of the feed block 26 on the plate 24 is limited by the adjustable stops 86 and 8%, and it is understood that any overtravel of the base member 62 will be taken up by the springs 78 and 30 located in the cylinders 70 and 72, respectively.

During the feeding operation of the wire W, it is necessary that the wire be tensioned as it passes through the passage 38 in the feed block 26. In order to tension the wire W, the wire tensioning assembly 90 is provided, and as shown in FIG. 2 includes a main block 94 that is secured to the base 12 by screws 96 and 9S. A bore 100 is' formed in the main block 94 centrally thereof and receives a bearing element 102 therein that is adapted to be urged into bearing relation against the plate 24 by a spring 104. The spring 104is compressed by an adjusting screw 106, and it is seen that the slidable plate 24 will be restrained in the reciprocating movement thereof by the bearing member 102, and a more positive movement of the plate 24 and feed block 26 mounted thereon will be provided.

One corner of the main block 94 is rabbeted to form a corner recess 105 in which an insert 109 is positioned. The upper surface of the insert 109 is provided with a groove 110 through which a wire W extends. A tension plate 112 having a corresponding groove 113 formed in the underside thereof is positioned in the recess 108 and is adapted to be adjustably disposed therein by means of an adjusting screw 114. The adjusting screw 114 eX- tends through the plate 112 and through the insert 109 into the main block 94, while disposed between the head of the screw 114 and the surface of the tension plate 112 is a tension spring 116. It is seen that the wire W that extends through the passage defined by the mating grooves in the underside of the tension plate 112 and the Lipper surface of the insert 109 is tensioned by the tension plate 112, the tension on the wire W being adjustable by means of the screw 114. During the feeding operation, the wire W is fed from a suitable source of supply through the tension assembly 90 and into the feed block 26 toward the working station described in the copending application. As described, the tensioning screw 114 may be adjusted to vary the tension of the spring 116, whereby frictional contact or drag on the wire W can be adjusted as desired.

In operation, the `wire W is passed through the wire tensioning :assembly 90' :and through the passage 318y in the feed `block 26. Prior to the feeding operation, the gripping bar 40 is disposed out of gripping relation with respect to the wire W as illustrated in FIG. 3. During 'feeding movement `of rthe wire W, the feeding `assembly 60 is adapted to be moved to the right as seen in FIG. 1 by the operating means represented by the bar 66 and rod 68. Movement of the drive Aassembly 60 to the right as seen in FIG. 1 causes the plunger 74 to strike the outer end of the actuating arm 50 thereby pivoting fthe arm to the position shown in FIG. 4. The cam edge 54 of the actuating arm 50 then forces the gripping bar 40 into gripping relation with respect to the wire W to capture the wire the passage 3S and secure it to the feed block 26. Further movement of the drive assembly to the right results in a corresponding movement of the actuating arm 50, feed block 26 and wire W. When the end of the feed stroke is reached, the drive assembly will be reversed thereby causing the plunger 76 to engage the actuating d arm 50 wherein the cam edge 54 is released from gripping Irelation with the gripping bar 40. Since the gripping bar 40 .is floatingly carried within the feed block 26, the springs 48 will return it to the nongripping position, thereby releasing the wire W from gripping relation. Upon the return movement of the actuating arm 5t) which then carries the feed block 26 therewith, the movement thereof will be relative with respect to the wire W, and the feed block 26 is then returned tothe position shown in FIG. 1. The movement of the actuating arm 50a11d feed block is then repeated to intermittently or periodically feed the wire W toward a working station.

While there is shown -and described herein certain specic structure embodying the invention, it will be to those skilled in the art that various modications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit :and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown `and described except insofar `as indicated by the scope of the `appended claims.

What is claim-ed is:

l. In a device for feeding a length of wire, e fixed base having Ia track formed therein, a plate mounted for movement in said track and having a feed block mounted thereon, said feed block including =a passage through which said wire extends, la recess formed in said feed block and communicating with said passage, :a resiliently biased gripping member carried by feed block and located in said recess, said gripping member :including a projection that is :adapted to extend into said passage but that is normally located out of engagement ywith said wire, a pivotally mounted actuating arm :extend-ing into said block for engaging said gripping mem-ber, a drive assembly mounted for reciprocating movement in la feed direction and a return direction, said drive assembly including spaced plungers that straddle said actuating arm, yand means for reciprocating said drive assembly wherein one of said plungers engages said actuating arm to pivotally move it into clamping engagement with said gripping member, said gripping member thereby being biased :tow-ard said wire -to force said projection into said passage and into gripping engagement with said wire whereupon further movement of said drive assembly in said feed direction causes said feed block to carry said wire therewith, said reciprocating means reversing the direction of movement thereof :at a predetermined position, whereupon the other of said plungers engages said eactuating arm to release it from clamping engagement with said gripping member which is then released from engagement with said wire.

2. In .a device for feeding -a strand of wire, 'a base, a feed block mounted for reciprocating movement on said base, one direction of movement of said feed block defining a feeding movement for said wire and the opposite direction of movement of said feed block defining a nonfeedin-g movement for said wire, `and means mounted on said base and spaced 4from said feed block for tensioning said wire during the feeding operation thereof, said feed block including .a pair of elements between which la recess is defined, said elements having mating sur-faces, one of which is forreshortened so that `a restricted passage is formed said recess through which said wire extends, and :a gripping member located in said recess between said elements and having la projection formed thereon that is adapted to extend into said .recess for engagement with said wire, wherein said wire is engageable with said feed block for movement therewith during the wire feeding operation.

3. In ra device as set forth in claim 2, an actuating arm pivotally mounted on said feed block and having a cam edge that is movable into contact with said gripping member for forcing said gripping member toward said wire, wherein said projection is moved into engaging relation with said wire.

4. In a device as set forth in claim 3, the outer end of said actuating larm extending between spaced, opposed plu-ngers that lare mounted for reciprocating `movement relative to said base, said plungers being movable in one direction wherein one of said plungers engages the outer end of said actuating arm to pivot said arm, so that said cam :edge forces said gripping member into engagement with said wire, continued movement of said plungers in the same directioncausing said arm and feed block to miove therewith for a predetermined feeding period, thereby feeding said Wire [for la predetermined length, said plungers thereafter being movable in the opposite direction wherein the other plunger engages said :arm to pivot it with respect to said feed block thereby moving said cam edge out of engagement with said gripping mem-ber and lallowing said gripping member to move relative to said wire as said feed bio-ck is returned to the original position thereof by said other plunger.

5. In a device :as set forth in claim 2, said tensioning means including an insert block in which 1a groove is formed, said Wire being received in said groove, a tension plate overlying said insert block tand frctionally engaging said wire, tand adjusting means engaging said tension plate for varying the frictiona-l contact of said tension plate on said wire, wherein the tension of said wire is adjusted as desired.

6. In a device as set forth in claim 5, means for securing said tensioning means to said base, 'a slide plate slidable with respect to said base, said feed block mounted on said plate and movable therewith, and means associated with said tensioning means for engaging said slide plate for exerting la bearng pressure on said slide plate, wherein a positive force is required to move said slide block and slide plate secured thereto.

7. In a device for feeding a strand of wire, a base, a plate mounted for reciprocating movement in a track formed in said base, a feed block secured to said plate for movement therewith, said feed block including at ieast two elements between which a recess is defined, a restricted passage formed lbetween said elements and `communicating with said recess, said Wire being received in said passage, a gripping member located in said recess between said elements and having la projection formed thereon that is adapted to extend into said passage for engagement 'with said wire for locking said wire to said feed block, an actuating arm pivotally mounted on said feed block `and having -a cam edge that is movable into contact with said gripping member for forcing said gripping member toward said wire, wherein said projection is moved into engaging relation with said wire to interconnect said Iactuating arm with said wire, and means for pivoting said actuating arm to move said gripping member into contact with said wire and thereafter driving said actuating arm and feed block in -a feeding direction to feed said svire a predetermined length.

8, In -a device for feeding a strand of wire, la base, a feed block mounted for reciprocating movement on said base, said feed block including at least two elements between Which 'a recess is defined, a restricted passage for receiving said wire being formed between said elements and communicating with said recess, a gripping member located in said recess between said elements and being adapted to engage said Wire to lock said vvire to said feed block, actuating means mounted on said feed block for pivotal movement and including a portion that is adapted to engage said gripping member for forcing said gripping member into contact with said wire, and means for pivoting said actuating means to move said gripping member into contact with said wire and thereafter driving said actuating means and feed block in a feeding direction to feed said wire a predetermined length.

9. In -a device for feeding a strand of wire, a base, a feed biock mounted for reciprocating movement on said base, one direction of movement of said feed block dening a feeding movement and the opposite direction of movement thereof dening a non-feeding movement, a passage formed in said feed block through which said wire strand extends, means `for gripping said wire strand during the feeding thereof `and being normally biased out of gripping relation therewith, a slot formed in said feed block and communicating with said gnipping means, and an actuating arm pivotally mounted on said feed -block and extending linto -sa-id slot, 'said actuating anni being formed with ,an inner yearn edge that is adapted to be forced into engagement With `said gripping means during the Ifeeding movement of said feed block for locking said wire strand to said feed block, the Width of said actuating arm being less than the Width of said slot and said actuating arm being pivotally located in said slot such that the actuating larm lwill engage -a Awall of said slot in the non-feeding position thereof wherein the epivoting action thereof is limited and the inner edge of said arm opposite said cam edge is prevented from forcing said gripping means into clamping engagement with said wire strand during the nonfeeding movement of said block.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 737,340 Campbell Aug. 25, 1903 1,059,338 Bammer Apr. 22, 1913 1,489,167 Spiess Apr. 1, 1924 2,514,554 Nowelsky July 11, 1950 2,612,075 Kellogg et -al Sept. 30, 1952 2,856,186 Weymouth Oct. 14, 1958 2,891,660 Honig June 23, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 307,281 Germany Aug. 8, |1918 178,649 Great Britain Apr. 27, 1922 

1. IN A DEVICE FOR FEEDING A LENGTH OF WIRE, A FIXED BASE HAVING A TRACK FORMED THEREIN, A PLATE MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT IN SAID TRACK AND HAVING A FEED BLOCK MOUNTED THEREON, SAID FEED BLOCK INCLUDING A PASSAGE THROUGH WHICH SAID WIRE EXTENDS, A RECESS FORMED IN SAID FEED BLOCK AND COMMUNICATING WITH SAID PASSAGE, A RESILIENTLY BIASED GRIPPING MEMBER CARRIED BY SAID FEED BLOCK AND LOCATED IN SAID RECESS, SAID GRIPING MEMBER INCLUDING A PROJECTION THAT IS ADAPTED TO EXTEND INTO SAID PASSAGE BUT THAT IS NORMALLY LOCATED OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID WIRE, A PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ACTUATING ARM EXTENDING INTO SAID BLOCK FOR ENGAGING SAID GRIPPING MEMBER, A DRIVE ASSEMBLY MOUNTED FOR RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT IN A FEED DIRECTION AND A RETURN DIRECTION, SAID DRIVE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SPACED PLUNGERS THAT STRADDLE SAID ACTUATING ARM, AND MEANS FOR 